Tyler Shough, Saints throw NFC South race into deeper chaos

For the second week in a row, the New Orleans Saints (4-10) plunged the NFC South race into absolute chaos. 

One week ago, New Orleans beat Tampa Bay (7-7) 24-20. Another Bucs loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday put the Carolina Panthers (7-7) in the driver's seat in the division. 

That was assuming that Carolina took care of business in the Caesars Superdome on Sunday against a Saints squad that upset the Panthers 17-7 on Nov. 9. 

Unfortunately for Carolina, Tyler Shough and the Saints had other plans. 

Saints QB Tyler Shough plays hero 

Shough earned his first career win as an NFL starter against Carolina on Nov. 9. He ran for two scores in New Orleans' win over Tampa Bay on Dec. 7. 

And on Sunday, he put together what was arguably the most complete performance of his young NFL career. 

Shough put together an exquisite game-tying drive to tie the game at 17, throwing a strike to Chris Olave that got a dormant New Orleans crowd on its feet. 

After the Saints defense came up with a huge stop, Shough got New Orleans into field goal range, with Charlie Smyth knocking through a 47-yard field goal to put New Orleans on top 20-17.